Telegraph Sport runs the rule over the Manchester United and Real Madrid
players following their Champions League round of 16 second-leg match at Old
Trafford

David de Gea The United goalkeeper had little to do until the dismissal of Nani, but from that point on he was under siege and he was helpless when it came to keeping out strikes from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo. 7

Rafael da Silva Gave a much more solid defensive performance than at the Bernabéu, but can count himself fortunate not to be sent off by the erratic referee Cuneyt Cakir after blocking a goal-bound effort with his arm. 7

Rio Ferdinand Caught out for pace by Gonzalo Higuain in the first half, but steadied himself to perform well alongside Nemanja Vidic. Became an auxiliary striker as United chased the game in the dying stages. 7 Nemanja Vidic Recalled to the starting line-up ahead of Jonny Evans, the United captain was at the heart of everything, guiding a first-half header against the post before denying Ronaldo with a crucial block. 8

Patrice Evra Reduced his forward forays to maintain the defensive discipline of the back-four, but the Frenchman was exposed following Nani’s dismissal and Real targeted the space in front of the full-back. 7

Michael Carrick The England midfielder was once regarded as lacking the quick feet to excel in Europe, but he is now enjoying the best form of his career and he stood out in a midfield packed with top players. 8

Tom Cleverley Bold move by Sir Alex Ferguson to play him in a deep-lying midfield role due to his attacking instinct, but Cleverley kept the ball well and gave United the drive they needed between defence and attack. 7

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Nani Selected to give Real problems down the left with his pace. Had the beating of Alvaro Arbeloa, but did not do enough to trouble the defender. Harshly dismissed in the second half for a challenge on the defender. 7 Ryan Giggs Making his 1,000th career appearance for club and country, Giggs was surprisingly given a right-midfield role. Aside from one slack pass cut out by Alonso, the 39-year-old belied his age once again. 7

Danny Welbeck More than justified his selection ahead of the dropped Wayne Rooney. Showed great energy and tenacity, but also worked well with Robin van Persie, displaying clever movement off the ball. 8

Robin van Persie Extended goal 'drought’ to five games, but the Dutchman led the line brilliantly and endured a physical night against Sergio Ramos to do a crucial job for his team, particularly after Nani’s red card. 7

Diego López Pulled off a crucial double save from Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie in the first half but struggled when the ball was delivered from the flanks. His experience was obvious, however, as he remained calm. 7

Alvaro Arbeloa The former Liverpool full-back was the obvious weak link in the Real team. Went wandering from his position too often and was booked for a clumsy foul on Patrice Evra, but Nani failed to capitalise on his failings. 5

Raphaël Varane Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to sign the young Frenchman two summers ago but missed out to Real and he showed why United rated him so highly with a performance that oozed class alongside Sergio Ramos. 8

Sergio Ramos Read the game brilliantly in the first half, almost acting as a sweeper at times as he snuffed out dangerous raids forward by Welbeck, Van Persie and Nani. Unlucky to score 47th-minute own goal. 8

Fabio Coentrao Often dismissed as too adventurous for a full-back but excelled at both ends. Defended well and gave Ryan Giggs problems when he went forward to support Ronaldo. 8

Xabi Alonso Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley were quick to pressurise the midfielder, just as Borussia Dortmund did in the group stages, and the lack of time on the ball put him off his game. 6

Sami Khedira Did not stand out, but the ability to do things well and efficiently is one of Khedira’s great qualities. Protected his back four when Alonso roamed forward in an attempt to open the game up. 7

Ángel di María United had been wary of the Argentine’s recent form, with the former Benfica winger identified as a major threat, but he never found a way into the game and limped off injured just before half-time. 5 Mesut Özil Largely subdued until the dismissal of Nani, but the German took full advantage of the extra space and his passing enabled Real to carve open United and create the gaps for Real to turn the tie around. 7

Cristiano Ronaldo The former United star was anonymous for an hour, but despite his lack of involvement, it was no surprise to see him deliver the killer blow when he scored a far post tap-in on 69 minutes. 7

Gonzalo Higuaín Surprisingly selected ahead of Karim Benzema but the Argentine was an inspired choice by Jose Mourinho. Kept United’s defenders occupied and his cross-shot teed up Ronaldo for Real’s second. 7